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CaraVanOlogy with Becky
United Kingdom
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 16 ม.ค. 2019
Follow our family and solo mum adventures, mainly around the UK and mainly in our touring caravan. We're also into hacking, making and re-engineering things so watch out for videos about mods and makes too. Thanks for following along :)
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 5
6:13
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 4
5:17
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 3
9:09
Awnings for Eribas & other low awning caravans, on show at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show
Awnings for Eribas & other low awning caravans, on show at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show
มุมมอง: 828
วีดีโอ
Eribas at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show NEC February 2024: comparing sizes & build years!
มุมมอง 4826 หลายเดือนก่อน
Eribas at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show NEC February 2024: comparing sizes & build years!
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 5
มุมมอง 5356 หลายเดือนก่อน
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 5
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 4
มุมมอง 2736 หลายเดือนก่อน
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 4
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 3
มุมมอง 4876 หลายเดือนก่อน
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 3
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 2
มุมมอง 4466 หลายเดือนก่อน
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 2
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 1
มุมมอง 1.1K6 หลายเดือนก่อน
Can’t make it to the Caravan, camping and motorhome show Feb ‘24? Real time walk through: hall 1
Fenwicks Overwintering results & the NEC show
มุมมอง 3136 หลายเดือนก่อน
In today’s video I show you the results of applying Fenwicks Overwintering 2 months ago, and talk about our forthcoming trip, including a quick stop at the NEC show. Products used: Fenwicks Over Wintering: amzn.to/3uBWwvR UV proof wheel covers (this is an updated version): amzn.to/42D7oWZ
Prepping the caravan for winter: trying out Fenwicks overwinter spray on protector
มุมมอง 2937 หลายเดือนก่อน
In today's video I'm showing how I got on applying Fenwicks Overwintering in a bid to protect teh caravan's exterior over the winter and hopefully cut down on the spring scrubbing due to redusced green stuff accumulating. Links as promised: My absolute favourite (non sweaty!) & well used sensibly priced waterproof breathable trousers: amzn.to/3GGqEbT Thick, breathable thermals: * women's: amzn....
Ultimate Multivan 20: Build along - carbon fibre bumper protector
มุมมอง 20510 หลายเดือนก่อน
Fitting a bumper protector to a T6 Caravelle/transporter Connect with us: www.mum-on-a-mission.co.uk Twitter: CaraVanOlogy Instagram: caravanologybecky Facebook: CaravanologyTH-cam Cool T shirts the kids/we wear: mum-on-a-mission.co.uk/geeky-t-shirts-hoodies/ Our filming gear: mum-on-a-mission.co.uk/filming-gear/ Amazon links (we're affiliates so by follo...
Ultimate Multivan 19: No awning rail? Quick release buckles attach a tarp to a van with roof rails
มุมมอง 43210 หลายเดือนก่อน
An easy and quick sunshade mod for vans with roof bars but no awning rail.. Want a much better value portable power pack than a Jackery one? Here's what I use all the time: Product link: amzn.to/3qGdapn Matching solar panel: amzn.to/3TNHR8i Or value pack of power pack and solar: amzn.to/3TTV13y (currently £60 off) Video of my 1st impressions: th-cam.com/video/36WRmp8iVZI/w-d-xo.html Video of me...
£35 a night for a (not fully serviced!) CL, would you pay it?
มุมมอง 33211 หลายเดือนก่อน
Would you pay £35 a night for a grass pitch with electricity (and water) hook-ups at a CL? That's the question I'm posing in today's video...
Temple House Farm CL, Somerset (& caravanning with a teen!)
มุมมอง 275ปีที่แล้ว
A quick look around Temple House Farm CL, in Doulting, Somerset
Reading Services, M4 Westbound
มุมมอง 245ปีที่แล้ว
Drive through showing how to get to the caravan parking area at Reading Services on the M4 heading west (ie away from London and towards the West Country/Wales)
A quick visit to Housedean Farm Campsite, midway between Brighton & Lewes
มุมมอง 260ปีที่แล้ว
In todays video a quick look around Housedean Farm campsite just off the A27, Brighton to Lewes main road. Please note due to the turning off the busy main road Housedean Farm only accepts tent campers and small (VW/transit custom/etc.) sized camper vans. Electric flask/mini kettle: amzn.to/46RUNB8 (this is the next nearest I could find as the one I have is temporarily out of stock) Swarey 500W...
Alternatives to big caravans for families
มุมมอง 556ปีที่แล้ว
Alternatives to big caravans for families
The 7 best (?) small caravans for families!
มุมมอง 679ปีที่แล้ว
The 7 best (?) small caravans for families!
Clever caravan beds, benefits of a fixed bed but in a tiny package?
มุมมอง 780ปีที่แล้ว
Clever caravan beds, benefits of a fixed bed but in a tiny package?
Eldis xplore Activ 304 (dealer special from Kimberly Caravans)
มุมมอง 1.4Kปีที่แล้ว
Eldis xplore Activ 304 (dealer special from Kimberly Caravans)
Small caravans: Eriba Touring 540 (Legend)
มุมมอง 2.7Kปีที่แล้ว
Small caravans: Eriba Touring 540 (Legend)
Small caravans: Eriba Touring 542 (Urban)
มุมมอง 673ปีที่แล้ว
Small caravans: Eriba Touring 542 (Urban)
Small caravans: Fairway Classic Compact and Fairway 460 (Broadland specials, based on Swift Sprites)
มุมมอง 264ปีที่แล้ว
Small caravans: Fairway Classic Compact and Fairway 460 (Broadland specials, based on Swift Sprites)
Small caravans: Freedom Carpento 410 (5 berth)
มุมมอง 3.6Kปีที่แล้ว
Small caravans: Freedom Carpento 410 (5 berth)
Small Caravans: Trigano Silver Mini 270 & 290 pop top caravans
มุมมอง 7Kปีที่แล้ว
Small Caravans: Trigano Silver Mini 270 & 290 pop top caravans
Small Caravans: Weinsberg CaraOne 400LK, 390QD & 390PUH
มุมมอง 1.4Kปีที่แล้ว
Small Caravans: Weinsberg CaraOne 400LK, 390QD & 390PUH
Small Caravans: Swift Basecamp 3 & it’s clever, super comfortable fold up sofa & bed (quick tour)
มุมมอง 876ปีที่แล้ว
Small Caravans: Swift Basecamp 3 & it’s clever, super comfortable fold up sofa & bed (quick tour)
Small Caravans: Campmaster King, a tiny (4.6m), lightweight (750Kg), simple caravan for 2
มุมมอง 8Kปีที่แล้ว
Small Caravans: Campmaster King, a tiny (4.6m), lightweight (750Kg), simple caravan for 2
It's very interesting looking at these graphs even a year later! I'm looking for a minimum 3 berth with a decent spare bed so me and my brother can share. The carpento is currently coming up trumps now that heating and hot water is now standard on the 2024 models with an increased price too though! I've got an electric van which is limited to 1000 kg so very limited 😊
Thank you for all of this really helpful detail
Sick of hgvs and motorhomes in caravan only parking
Small Caravan 6 metres ?🤔
Great site, been many times.
Thank you for the review, interesting to hear your thought with it. Are you still using it? How’s it held up over time? I’m interested in the DC out ports reliability as I’d like to find a solution for field charging lipo batteries. Did you check if they were regulated or not? Many thanks
@@TheAndyMaan yep still using it, zero faults, niggles, or anything weird to report, doesn’t seem to be behaving any differently than when brand new so very pleased indeed :) Subsequently bought another one for laptop backup in the home office as we were experiencing house power cuts! I haven’t ever got around to checking whether it’s a regulated output unfortunately so cannot confirm. Mostly I run my front and rear dash cam system, charge phones and the van’s espresso machine which uses a USB C to C rapid charger. I assume the battery inside the espresso machine is 1 or more 18650s (as are many of my torches) so the closest I’ve got to checking the power output is the usb c cables I use have a power indicator on them which seems stable, but that’s hardly a proper scientific check, and of course that’s on the usb side not the 12v socket itself, which is hardly ever used as nearly everything is usb these days. Hope that helps a little, best wishes.
@@CaraVanOlogywithBecky Thank you for getting back to me so quickly, that's great to hear it's been faultless for you so far and you've even got another one. I'll keep an eye on Amazon prime deals over the next few days and see if it drops in price much 👍
From my past experience have elddis got to the bottom of stress cracks on the rear panels that aren't warranted after the first year mine went after 3 years elddis didn't want to know or could give me a reason as to why they cracked.we got rid so buyer beware .
ty for all this information. a great video style 👏
Thanks sooo much for taking the time to make this video. We hope to buy a caravelle soon. ❤
Hi there. Good video! I'm thinking about this (the orange one) as a viable alternative to the local weighbridge as although local, it is very busy and you feel under pressure when there. My question is this - when i weigh for example, the nearside wheel of my caravan, how does it manage to not include some of the weight of the offside too (imagining that there is a line down the middle front to rear)? And in doing so, surely the nearside and offside weights combined (along with the jockey) would come to a good bit more that in actually the case, thus diddling me out of possible payload? For example, if i stand on the bathroom scales with just my left foot touching, it won't display 60kg only (i.e. i'm 120kg when not standing like a pirate). Is this my overly binary brain working overtime or am i on to something? Obviously, i need it to be as accurate as possible. Kind regards, David
So (trying to reset my brain back to A level physics…) I think (and I’m open to an actual practicing, highly qualified physicist/engineer correcting this assertion because it’s been a few years!) that when you stand on the bathroom scale with only one foot in contact, the scale should show 120Kg assuming you’re standing still and perfectly perpendicular to the scale, because the entire force of your body is carried through that one foot. When a vehicle scale is used on a single axle trailer unless you’re some sort of top gear caravan bashing, stunt driver, 3 points are still in contact with the ground when measuring I.e. the wheel on the scale, the wheel not on the scale, and the jockey wheel (which may be in contact with the ground directly, or via being hitched to the car). Either the instructions say, or we (as a pair of pedantic sci/eng PhDs) decided to find an equal height to the scale bit of timber for the wheel not being measured, to eliminate cosine error I.e. the error that will be introduced if the force of the wheel being measured is not being applied perfectly perpendicularly to the ground. For example, if a trailer was 5degrees off level the error would be approx 4kg for every 1000kg of measured weight ie not a lot! In summary I think there’s effectively no “ahah more payload!” moments available sadly and bear in mind those sort of errors are nothing compared to the inherent inaccuracies of these devices and weighbridges anyway I.e. try to leave yourself a bit of “wiggle room” rather than maxing out the payload. The sort of scientific accuracy scales needed for accurate weighing at this magnitude of trailer are £10s thousands and carefully calibrated precision scientific instruments (they have to be if VOSA want to take it to court!). For me this device was an easy to use rough solution where ease of use outweighed inaccuracy especially as the official weighbridge near me wasn’t much more accurate for my 1400Kg caravan anyway so there was no better solution! This at least gave me a rough idea, which for me was better than no idea. Thanks for the standing like a pirate image and I enjoyed reading your brain dump and thinking about the reply :) Best wishes, Becky
@@CaraVanOlogywithBecky Many thanks. That does all make sense. Might buy one for peace of mind and convenience but still try to use the weight bridge too. Thanks again 👍
Hi fantastic video and I’m surprised I didn’t discover your channel any sooner! We are now proud owners of our first caravan and have opted for the same set up as you guys with a Transporter We made the decision to take 6 months out to go travelling with our two boys before they get to school age! Just two questions before we commit to purchasing a 4 motion Transporter, where did you get it de-tuned and also can you also open your tailgate when hitched up? Many thanks
Thanks for your kind words, very much appreciated. The van has had zero tuning. It came out of the factory at 199PS because it was bought not long after the VW emissions scandal and rumour has it that they just tuned everything down to comply, hence it’s 199PS rather than the previous (and subsequent) 204PS. I can open the tailgate fully BUT the jockey wheel handle has to be pointing left, or right, or backwards I.e. away from the boot, which is easy to adjust via the clamp if it doesn’t naturally land there, the main shaft doesn’t foul just the winder “knob”, or just slightly unwind when you need access AND I’d caution that my A frame is longer than most U.K. caravan ones so the jockey might be positioned further back than whatever caravan you choose. Having said that I rarely need to open the boot because access to whatever’s in the back is super easy from inside the van… the one annoying thing is that the factory tow ball (Westfalia) is super close to the bumper, it fits an Alko hitch just fine but it’s not as spacious as the XC60 I used to tow with but check that any after market electrics are vehicle specific because I understand they can be a total pain to retrofit, hence I went for factory fit which has been perfect :) Best wishes for a fantastic adventure!
Hi, I've just bought a used MaxxRaxx Bike Rack. We have a swan neck tow bar (electric so folds away). I did ask if the rack was suitable for connection to a bike rack also allowing towing, to which the answer was yes. However, the plate supplied with the bike rack is the one for connecting to a removable tow ball. Do you know where I might be able to buy the version you are using in the video for connection to a swan neck?? thanks
Hi, mine came directly from Maxx Raxx but sadly they’ve ceased trading now, a few previous retailers such as roofbox.co.uk and other trailer specialists who used to fit them still have a few spares I believe BUT the swan neck adaptor was specialist fit only as it had to be fitted in a precise location, at correct angles, and to an exact torque setting hence it was never supplied as DIY. With an electric folding swan neck I’d also wonder whether there is room to accommodate the coupling which is permanently attached to the swan neck when folded. It was a seriously chunky lump of steel as you’d expect. I’ve never owned an electric hitch so no idea how much clearance vehicle manufacturers leave… good luck in the search, hope it works out in the end :)
@@CaraVanOlogywithBecky Thanks Becky, I think I might be out of luck, a chap did come back to me saying he had a MaxxRaxx swan neck adapter that still allowed the use of the tow ball which sounded similar to yours (i've asked for a picture etc), but from what you say that sounds unlikely to fit .
Great, video. Many thanks!
well it is not wise to use your car key as a screw driver... otherwise cheers
Thank you for this video, I agree with all of your points and sentiment towards weighing at home vs the weighbridge.
Nice, ive just made 4 pairs of new curtains for my 2022 Sprite, i never liked the curtains and were the same as the ones in my 2020 4sb. Ive used a fine cord with a pattern in teracotta. Just to make tie backs. Your curtain hooks look the same as mine, did you know to put them back on you dont have to slide each one at the end, they just push up into the rail as i discovered so much easier going back up. You made a good job of your's, well done
Dzięki
Thank you
Thanks for your information, it was very helpful and it has opened our eyes to weight limitations 🌞
Guys don’t be scared I cried at first but now it’s okay! It’s a amazing experience,
Hi I have just been watching this video from 3 years ago and wondered if you are still using the lock and level system. What do you think of it 3 years on.
Hi, yep still my levelling device of choice. Compact (heavy but fits in a relatively small space), and easy to use :) Have to admit I’ve only had to use it a couple of times each year as we’ve been lucky enough to find ourselves on relatively flat pitches, but it still looks good even with some black tyre prints on now, and works as perfectly as it did new. Zero plans to change :) Did I have anything underneath it when I recorded the video? If not then I’ve added a couple of simple interlocking small exercise foam type floor mats just in case there are any especially sharp gravel bits, I think it would be fine, it’s made of tough stuff, but the mats also keep the underside a bit cleaner if we’re on grass, so also good for cleaner pack up. Thanks for watching.
Thats brilliant thank you so much for your reply. I’m pretty sure that you did not have anything underneath it when you did the video but that is a great idea Have a great season Andrew
Spent easter 2024 at Morn Hill, we were on serviced pitch, which we were happy with. Would not pay the extra for the premium pitch, like you say, we carry tables & chairs and a cadac. Understand that the privacy hedge would be newly planted following the refurbishment, so really should not be advertising as a feature till it has grown. Incidentally, the one way system has been amended around the hard standing side, and the stag is now outside the facilities block.
Hi Becky. I've searched through your channel to see if you've done a full review of the VW Caravelle i.e. what it tows like, suspension when towing etc. Have you done one at all?
Hi, unfortunately not had a chance to do that yet. Overall extremely pleased with it (only towing a 1400Kg Eriba though, but can compare directly with the previous D5 XC60, which I was happy with) other than the factory (Westfalia) tow bar which is solid but a) far too close to the bumper and b) the breakaway attachment point is on the detachable stem of the tow ball, with zero other possibilities to attach the breakaway! Niggles, but annoying ones. Also happy to answer any specific questions.
@@CaraVanOlogywithBecky Thanks for the reply Becky. Sounds positive. We have a 1675kg Coachman and with the other research I've been doing I have no doubt the 190? (or thereabouts) Caravalle would be more than capable. And the internal flexibility is exactly what we need to allow us to wheel our heavy eBikes straight in the back after removing a couple of seats, with awning etc. and then use it as a 6/7 seater for the family when needed. My biggest concern is really ride quality when towing. We currently have a Nissan Navara pickup truck which is absolutely fine for our day to day needs. But once the van is on the back the ride quality is horrible and every bump feels like we're going to break something on either the truck or the caravan - or me 😟 And even though we're not buying anywhere near brand new (probably 2013-2016 T5) this is likely to be our forever vehicle as I'm just retiring. SO I need to get it right, ideally experiencing the ride when towing for myself.
@@TheCaravanGoodLife we have friends with 3 children, 150bhp Beach who tow a big Bailey twin axle and who we consulted before I splashed the cash on ours as it is a huge investment so completely with you on check as much as poss first! Mine is the 199PS, 4motion, version 199 because it's the 204bhp version turned down due to the emissions scandal! My sister has the 150bhp 2WD Kombi and she's happy (but not quite so much of a "researcher/reflector on experiences" as me...) and towing a similar weight to mine. Having never towed with hers I can't say whether my 4motion makes any difference, or the fact that the Caravelle is slightly lower out of the factory than the van/kombi versions, or anything else... She might let me behind the wheel one day... Compared to our previous tow car, an XC60 (D5 R design i.e. stiffer suspension than non Rdesign) my thoughts are that the Caravelle driving alone is a much more comfortable ride in a straight line, but has a serious tendency to "wallow" going around corners, regardless of speed (without a reasonable range) especially compared to the XC60, which was planted, amazing really for an SUV and perhaps not surprising for a tall van like the Caravelle. But put the caravan on the back and there's basically no difference to ride quality in the Caravelle. I frequently wonder whether the ride quality is better when towing due to the caravan stopping the back end of the Caravelle wobbling a bit, or just if I take corners far more carefully...! I do have to watch the nose weight though, because I can tell if I get bumping it's off. For reference the 1400Kg Eriba on the back has shocks, 3A self adjusting brakes, and the chassis is approx 10cm lower than I think every other caravan out there i.e. it's optimally configured for smooth towing. In terms of systems and car like refinements, I had all the toys fitted to the Caravelle as I was making a long term investment. My assessment is that they are good, but not quite as refined as the equivalents in the Volvo. For example, although the Caravelle is 6 years newer than our XC60 was, I find the adaptive cruise on the Caravelle not as smooth as the XC60 (or maybe it's German efficiency vs Swedish design...), the XC60 seemed to "see" other traffic sooner and react in a more refined manner slowing down before it needed too, to maintain the spacing, whereas the VW algorithm reacts much later, causing the vehicle to need to brake for itself much more often than driving in the same conditions with the XC60. Overall, towing with a van has been absolutely fantastic, it's such an adaptable space that it works brilliantly for us as a vehicle in itself and as a tow vehicle. I have removed some seats, and fitted a basic kitchen so we're good for lounging and fresh espresso wherever we go! One thing to watch out for is the weight of the ebikes you have vs the weight that the carrier and rear door can take. The axle should be fine as long as you're mindful of loading distribution inside the caravelle, but the rack might not be. I have the Fiamma rack rather than the VW, or Thule one, because a) it sits closer to the rear window, thus maximising the space between the bikes and the caravan and ) it was the only one at the time that came in black (vain I know!). It can just about take our 4 ordinary bikes, but when I upgraded mine to an e mountain bike, it's technically slightly over the single bike limit even with the battery off. So just something to double check before buying :) Hope that download of thoughts helps - all the best!
Thanks for your demonstration, it helped me to be able to adjust the configuration in my new (to me) MY18 MultiVan.
Hello, To your knowledge, does or did Isabella make an awning for the eriba feeling ? Thanks
Hello, I believe you can get an Isabella Capri North awning for the Feeling, I’ve seen the Touring version and it’s very nice (particularly the grey, there is also a pleasant dark blue I believe), but I’ve never seen a Feeling one.
Hello, how long does the setup of the awning take for one person a) at the first time and b) when you've practiced it well?
Hello, love the channel, a coincidence that you happen to be towing with a VW, we are on the hunt for a Transporter as our tow vehicle and are a little worried the Tailgate might hit the Aframe bits such as Brake lever or Jockey wheel handle etc, at least the swift body slopes back a lot which might help...any issues for you guys on that front, we would certainly feel awful if we couldn't access the back without unhitching say in a service station etc. (I can see some branded towbars/balls are closer to bumper than others). Thanks.
I’ve never noticed it as an issue but a) I have the factory fit towbar (Westfalia) which is ridiculously close to the bumper, far too close in my opinion, the Alko fits but just, as it’s on the minimum recommended spacing! I have the Caravelle so I don’t know if that makes the bumper plastic any deeper than say the kombi van version, and b) A frames on Eribas are quite long, especially compared to U.K. manufactured vans, which is great for us as it gives me plenty of clearance when there are bikes on the back of the tow van :) But also I don’t tend to open the tailgate much when towing, I have a kitchen & day van storage ie coffee equipment in the van boot ;-) but when the caravan is on just use those facilities eg in the services, so we tend to travel with the van rear seats pushed right back on the floor rails and just pile eg awnings/kayaks/etc. in the middle. We don’t have a dog so no need for a boot crate, etc. For long trips, or if there’s lots of stuff that might move around in an emergency I slide the rear van seats forward but still access the stuff from inside via the side door, because of that rear kitchen unit. So no problems to report for our set up, but I completely get your concern, in theory you should be able to roughly calculate if there is enough clearance as the boot measurements are online. Happy shopping, love our day van as a tow van, so practical :)
@CaraVanOlogywithBecky hi, thank you for the feedback, great stuff, we will definitely need the boot access, glad you haven't had any issues. Hopefully we can get a 4motion. Cheers.
I’ve only just discovered your channel, but loving the content! I’m trying to convince the family (we are 2 adults, 2 pre-teen kids) that we should swap our motorhome for a day-van plus small caravan. Intention for the van to be an ID Buzz. Have you looked at fuel economy of your T6 with and without the caravan on the back? The Feeling 425 looks like one of the best compromises of size, utility and comfort. Keep up the great work!
Van + small caravan has been brilliant for us, I’d definitely recommend. Of course there are downsides such as it’s a bit of a squash on a rainy day with no awning now the kids are full mansized, but overall this combo is brilliantly flexible, low stress and adaptable to whatever party size we happen to be that outing :) and sorry no fuel economy data (embarrassing to admit for a scientist!). My gut feel is that the Feeling doesn’t make a huge dent in the fuel economy, it’s only a tiny bit taller and wider after all but I’ve no proper data to back that up! Good luck and happy travels :)
Great tip, thanks Becky!
Interesting. I have never weighed our caravan on a weigh bridge because of the hassle to do so, being so far from one. I never thought about using a scale. And I never thought about the asymmetric distribution of weight that you found this way. You wouldn't find that out on a weigh bridge. Shame the price has gone up so much though!
Hi, that looks fantastic . I'm looking for something like this for my campervan pop-top but there seems to be nothing on the market . Do you do made to order 🤣
Ha thanks, appreciate it! Considered it (briefly) until I added up all the time it took to get just right and realised even with the inevitable time savings that come with practice and templates there was no chance I was going into business! I made mine because my roof bed isn’t standard size and it’s far taller than a campervan so I didn’t have much choice and even if I could find someone to make me an external solution it would have meant balancing on a high ladder with a thing flapping like a sail. Saw some really cool looking external campervan ones at the recent NEC show, they’re in my walk through video, hall 5 I think… if not it’ll be hall 4. Back when I was in the planning stage for this, I did come across an internal campervan specific solution though. Sorry I forget what it was called, I’ll comment again if it suddenly comes to me… if I recall it had poppers that had to be screwed to the roof, which the insulation curtain popped onto. There was another one which attached with velcro, Brandrup Isotop I think it was, expensive though…
Thanks for getting back to me , I've seen the Isotop version but unfortunately they seem to only do them for SWB campers and mines a LWB think there's also a company over in Spain that make version but they need to see my van before they will make me one , maybe not a bad solution 🤣 . Could be time to get myself a sewing machine and get my sleeves rolled up. Like I say fantastic job , really good @@CaraVanOlogywithBecky
Fabulous video .... Just what I was looking for having decided to give the show a miss this year... Great work!!!
You’re very welcome, glad it was helpful :)
Van looks lovely Becky well done, great job 😃👍🏻 Trev
Hall 5…. Getting tired now…. But wait, you saved the best till last 😮 lots and lots of van conversions 👍🏻👍🏻 just look at all those colours, makes and models, no two the same woohoo excited 😮 😅 😂 roof tents are for the younger camper imho 🙂 Well that was fun. Thanks so much, we are not attending the show this time so it was nice to have a virtual look around from our living room 😃👍🏻 Take care 💙 Trev x
Impressed with your dedication to the cause, that’s 11k steps you can each add to your daily count ;-) thanks for the great commentary, very much appreciated :)
Hall 2 - So that’s where the CAMC went 😂😂 This hall looks busy. Duvalay are soooo comfy 😊 Nobody on stage yet. Hobby Motorhomes are lovely. Glad to see the show has put some seats out again this time for us old folk. Is it time to Wandahome yet ? 😂 Nice walk 👍🏻 Trev 💙
Good to see you on camera Becky 😃 Hall 1 …. Let’s get started ! Carthago yummy 🤤 next to baby Bearfoot 😉 Castle climb looks good 👍🏻 everyone loves a cooking demo 🥘 Morelo means money 😮 lucky escape 🤣🤣 Nice walk 👍🏻 Trev 💙
My double take moment, seeing that what I’d previously thought was a “large” Knaus parked directly next to the Morelo ;-) climbing wall was amazing!
Hall 3 looks very glamorous with all those shiny caravans 😊 Ooooo love a Coachman 👌 I like to stop off at Autosleeper too 😀 I spotted a K-Yacht 😻 Bailey have a big area again 🙂 Enjoyed the walk 👍🏻 Trev
Hall 4 is always a scary place for me 😮 Lots of camping gear that I don’t understand 😉🤣👍🏻 Trev 💙
Great to see you, Fenwicks looks amazing have a wonderful break. 😁👍
Cheers Col, ecstatic with the roof especially, at this time of year it’s usually abysmal and really hard work! Hope you’re all well.
Oh for goodness sake, I'll have to buy some of that stuff now, don't you know I'm a retiree, I can't go willy-nilly splashing out of products recommended by influencers... I have to say I am impressed with the cleanliness of the roof, mine too is an utter pain. I now have 2 things on my NEC shopping list, and toilet fluids - oh the glamour... Yes, please tighten your wheel nuts and remember to do it whilst wearing Crocs.
You can’t afford it, the kids & grandkids see to that! ;-)
Hi Becky, Thanks for the mention and you will find with Fenwicks cleaner it will look great again! Enjoy the show! Regards Brian
Thanks Brian :) Have you tried their Bobby Dazzler?
That’s brilliant. Would it be possible for you to write out the instructions I’d love to make one for my camper. X
Did you say you had one? how do you get on with it? i'm looking at one at the moment and it ticks boxes but also is a little smaller then i wanted.
I don’t have one personally, I have an Eriba Feeling 425. Mine is 6m in length, so a tad shorter than this but I also have an upstairs pop up roof bed for my 2 children as well as the fixed double downstairs ie sleeping place for 4 adults. I’d say there are pros and cons to such small caravans that suit some folks but others would hate. Ours certainly feels a tad cramped now my boys are teenagers (i.e. mansized) if all 4 of us are away and the weather is poor; there isn’t a lot of lounging space, but it’s easy to store, easy to tow and I don’t panic too much of the sat nav takes us down a tiny lane so we’ve got to some lovely out of the way places that I wouldn’t dream of taking a big caravan too. These sport and fun caravans do look extremely practical, stylish and have some great features. Having looked around them a few times if I were looking to buy one my two concerns would be a) would the person who would end up sleeping next to the front wall in the bed feel cramped because of that front angle, which is beautiful for aerodynamics, but might feel a bit claustrophobic especially if they have to climb over the other sleeper eg to use the washroom in the night, especially as the bed is quite high and b) how much do you think you’d like to lounge inside eg in winter ie is there enough “sofa” space for your preferred comfort levels and leg length requirements, etc. Hope that helps, happy shopping!
@@CaraVanOlogywithBecky thanks for the great response and some good comments that I've missed. Thanks 👍🙏
I love your foam idea atop your ladders. I've been looking for some online but they're expensive for what they are. Thanks and Merry Christmas ❤
Thanks, that’s a chunk of my son’s extremely old mattress as he needed a refresh ;-) Pleased to say it didn’t absorb too much water so worked perfectly and squashed just the right amount, bit amateurish with the tape holding it on, but served the purpose and reuse/recycling at its best! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too, thanks for watching and commenting x
You should be pleased in the spring! ... I have ditched the cover and used fenwicks overwintering on our Eriba Troll for the last 2 years and I does what it says on the label ... crucially you've cleaned throughly before applying .... Nice job!
That’s great news :) Thanks so much for letting me know and merry Christmas.
Well said Becky, what do these people expect, it is real life, not a documentary. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and yours!
Thanks Graham and likewise, all the best for a fabulous 1st retirement Christmas and New Year, bet you’ll be busy!
I’m glad it’s not just me that has trouble opening AutoGlym products 😂😂
I have used the shower many times. It works perfekt 🙂 It is a great Caravan for travel and adventure
Do you travel on your own. How do you find the whole experience
@@sparkmeister4706 its usually myself, the dog and my GF. We just got back from winterholiday in the S&F
Great advice to used car key, not screwdriver…🤦♂️and you really struggle to remove tracks and seats…👎 looks like you doing this first time.
I checked your channel, hoping to find the perfect video antidote to my amateur performance of this operation in my van, but sadly there was nothing there... I look forward to seeing your version of how to do this properly, presumably you already have the van, have performed this particular operation easily and smoothly many times, and thus recording an improved version shouldn’t take long. In response to your specific points: a) to a non-owner a screwdriver might seem the ideal tool. However, some VW manuals specifically say to use the key rather than a screwdriver. Presumably to remove the various parts gently, to avoid scratching the plastic/soft aluminium of the rail covers. For example, as mentioned by this VW approved retailer of vans & multivan specific modular camping units: th-cam.com/video/jNB9aWLYMpU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0p1hLWvQp5agIbhD. Initially, it did strike me as slightly odd to risk the key over a screwdriver, but as releasing the “lugs” is doable with slim fingers anyway I didn’t see much chance of risk to the key and therefore I followed the advice of the pros, and b) yes I did struggle to remove the tracks and seats. The track covers aren’t loose, they are extremely tight fitting so as not to create noise when driving and must be correctly aligned to remove from and reinstall into, the tight spring clips. Aluminium is soft for a metal, so I didn’t want to be excessively rough with it and risk bending it, or to lever it using any sharp objects and risk scratching it, if the tool slipped. Each single seat weighs in at, I’d estimate 40 - 50 Kg, and the bench seat must be 90 or 100Kg and I neither have arms like an orangutang, nor biceps like popeye, which does indeed make moving such awkward items around extremely difficult. Furthermore, the seats themselves don’t lock closed, so not only must the lifter/s contend with bulk and awkward shapes with quite sharp edges, but shapes that move around when being carried… This isn’t an official VW channel, my objective here is to show real family life, as it is for me as a mother and a not particularly tall one at that, which can make “manhandling” things around more difficult than for your average camper. There are of course also upsides! My objective is to be realistic, not make everything look easy. Showing everything as polished and easy whilst pretending it’s the 1st time, like some sort of marketing video, doesn’t make a useful contribution to those who watch; it would essentially be a lie. Oh and might I suggest *use not *used would have been preferable in the 1st part of your sentence, *struggled as the task was performed in the past, for the middle part, and *your not *you in the latter 1/3. Best wishes.
“VW manuals specifically say to use the key rather than a screwdriver” … off course- if you damage your keys you have to come back to dealer and get new one and they will charge you $300-400 for in… normally they cost $40. For manufacture it’s business to make you come back to them that right then put radical idea to manual. So you now how your reply for my comment sounds for me… I have many different cars, for example 3 Volvo XC90 and on every review people say that auto gearbox is big issue this cars. Manual says don’t change oil in it, but if you go to Aisin or GM website’s they clearly say - change oil… I did with them more than 400k ich without any problems from gearboxes … I use my brain… If I looking for video how do something with car I want to see how to do it quick and properly… Thanks for your time to write your essay.
I saw some messy sealant at the 23 oct nec show…you’d think they could design out visible sealant in this day and age…..i think some companies do…im sure i spotted some clever joins at the show..maybe clients in the hall are picking at the sealant whilst they wait to enjoy the sumptuous interiors..? We saw a folding table extension destroyed at the hinge at the show..
Very lovely presentation…..well done.